You’ve found the perfect apartment. It’s got that vintage charm, original moldings, huge windows, and maybe even a clawfoot tub.
But if your place was built before 1978 (and most in NYC were), there could be something in the walls: lead-based paint.
Lead paint is one of those hazards that hides in plain sight, and in a city filled with pre-war buildings, it’s still surprisingly common. It’s not always peeling or obviously dangerous, either. It can be buried under layers of new paint.
So, how do you know if your home has lead paint?
Let’s walk through the signs, the risks, and exactly how a lead paint inspection in NYC can give you real peace of mind.
The Telltale Signs of Lead Paint
Lead paint isn’t easy to identify with the naked eye since it looks just like any other paint. But here are a few key signs and situations that should prompt concern:
1. Your Building Was Built Before 1978
This is the most important clue. If you live in a pre-1978 building, there’s a high chance lead paint was used at some point. Even if it’s now buried under latex paint, it can still be dangerous when disturbed.
2. Paint Is Chipping, Cracking, or Peeling
Lead-based paint tends to degrade in specific ways. It may peel in sheets or chip off in small flakes. If it’s cracking into patterns (think alligator skin), or if you rub it and it leaves a chalky residue on your fingers, that could indicate old lead paint underneath.
3. You’re Doing Renovations or Repairs
Sanding, drilling, or scraping can disturb lead-painted surfaces and release dust into the air, which is easily inhaled. If you’re planning even minor repairs in an old building, you absolutely need to know what kind of paint you’re working with.
Disturbing it without proper safety precautions can be incredibly dangerous.
4. You’ve Noticed Persistent Dust Near Windows or Baseboards
If no amount of vacuuming seems to keep certain areas clean, especially around windows and doors, you might be dealing with lead dust. This is a major source of exposure, especially for crawling infants and toddlers who frequently put their hands in their mouths.
Also Read: Lead Testing 101: How It Works and What You Need to Know
Why a Lead Paint Inspection Is Important
If you suspect lead paint, the only way to know for sure is with a professional inspection. This isn’t a DIY job, lead paint doesn’t have a smell, and it doesn’t look any different from regular paint once it’s covered.
A certified lead paint inspection uses tools like XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzers to detect lead without damaging your walls. The process is fast, non-invasive, and gives you a complete picture of where (and if) lead is present.
In NYC it’s often required:
- Landlords must comply with Local Law 1, which mandates inspections and remediation in units with children under 6.
- Homebuyers and tenants must be informed of any known lead hazards.
- Renovation work on pre-1978 homes must follow EPA lead-safe practices if lead paint is present.
What Happens If Lead Paint Is Found?
Don’t panic! Discovery doesn’t automatically mean your walls are dangerous. If the lead paint is intact and sealed, it may be possible to encapsulate it instead of removing it.
If the paint is deteriorating, your inspector will walk you through the safest next steps, whether that means targeted repairs, full remediation, or professional cleaning of lead dust.
The key is to act early, before anyone in your household, especially children, is exposed.
What You Should Never Do
We’ve seen it all, so here’s what NOT to do:
- Don’t sand, scrape, or heat old paint without knowing what it is. You could release lead dust or fumes.
- Don’t trust a visual inspection alone. Just because the paint looks clean doesn’t mean it’s safe.
- Don’t delay if you see peeling paint in an old building. It’s easier (and cheaper) to handle early than after a violation or health scare.
Don’t Wait Until It Becomes a Problem
Lead paint is an ongoing hazard in countless NYC homes. And because it doesn’t always show itself in obvious ways, many families are exposed for months or years without even knowing.
A professional lead paint inspection in NYC gives you the answers you need to protect your space, your family, and your peace of mind. NYC Lead & Mold offers fast, accurate, and fully certified lead paint inspections across the five boroughs.
Book your inspection today!
